tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71913459813127521442014-10-06T18:26:04.966-07:00Life in the Slow Lanesherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-32498241057736496772011-11-20T21:17:00.001-08:002011-11-21T09:59:03.849-08:00Simple ThingsTwo weeks ago, we spent the weekend in San Francisco. &nbsp;We were celebrating a double-30th-birthday, and spent some QT with our friends. &nbsp;Last weekend, we spent yet another weekend in the city. &nbsp;This time we had a belated anniversary dinner at Fleur de Lys. &nbsp;Both were jam-packed weekends, with amazing food, local sights, and good times. <br /><br />Equally as fulfilling was this past weekend.. spent in our own 'hood. &nbsp;We ran errands, hung out with my mom, went shopping, cleaned up our place, put up our wedding photo mosaic, and started getting ready for the impending holidays. &nbsp;Oh! &nbsp;And celebrated USC's win against the Oregon Ducks. &nbsp;Ah, that was so nice. &nbsp;And that was just Saturday. &nbsp;Sunday started off with a mid-morning mass, where we ran into some family friends. &nbsp;[Me: Doesn't that guy look like Uncle George? Him: Um, I think it is him..] It was a cold and wet day, but we still found time to be productive. &nbsp;49ers won (again!), increasing their record to 9-1. &nbsp;I watched some DVR'd college football recaps, after a home-cooked meal made by my hubby. <br /><br />Sometimes it's great to just enjoy the simple things in life. &nbsp;The closing words at Sunday mass were: "Go forward with an attitude of gratitude." &nbsp;Done and done.sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-27994652714163727612011-10-26T09:01:00.000-07:002011-10-26T09:01:59.425-07:00I'm a 10Anyone who's in the healthcare industry is wholly aware of the upcoming changes from ICD-9 diagnosis codes to ICD-10 codes. &nbsp;Today, a system is used that employs the use of roughly 18,000 codes. The new federally mandated version will expand the number to around 140,000 -- adding codes that describe precisely what bone was broken, or which artery is receiving a stent.<br /><br />It will also have a code for recording that a patient's injury occurred in a chicken coop.<br /><br />While the new coding system is proving to be a challenge for healthcare professionals, some companies are choosing to make lemonade with these coding shifts. Find a Code LLC, a medical-coding website operator, has created a series of YouTube videos with the tagline, "Yeah, there's a code for that." I feel that I'll be sharing these videos from time to time, so I won't barrage this post with all of them. As a taste of what's to come, here's a "Guess that Code" video.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mW9OJvyjsa4" width="530"></iframe> <br /><br />Conifer Health Solutions has gone a different route with a series of quirky stickers, boasting "I'm a 10". I'm particularly fond of 'This <b>Chick</b> is ICD-10 Ready.' &nbsp;Let me clarify that I'm fond of the tagline, <i>not</i> the associated ICD-10 code. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><i><i><b><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxeyfI2jEUA/Tqgoe_FevPI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ZQbUjYavRD0/s1600/ipKL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxeyfI2jEUA/Tqgoe_FevPI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ZQbUjYavRD0/s400/ipKL.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></b></i></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><i><i><b><br /></b></i></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CMS official, Denise M. Buenning, compares ICD-10 to a phone book. &nbsp;"All the numbers are in there," she says. &nbsp;"Are you going to call all of the numbers? No. But the numbers you need are in there." &nbsp;Oh, I'm sure this is the most interesting phone book people have seen it years. &nbsp;In fact, it may just be the gift that keeps on giving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you imagine the types of conversations you could have. &nbsp;"What happened to you last night?" &nbsp;"Dude, classic case of F10.99" &nbsp;"Niiiice."&nbsp;</div><b style="font-weight: bold;"><i><i><b><b></b></b></i></i></b>sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-12912596301779644002011-09-27T22:59:00.000-07:002011-09-27T22:59:28.836-07:00FN: Best Thing I Ever Ate -- MessyThis week's episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate featured favorited messy foods. &nbsp;I was anticipating this episode in particular because I knew that Ike's Place was going to be featured. &nbsp;But, what an unexpected treat to see Andrew Zimmern raving about Crispy Pata. &nbsp;Yeah, that's right. &nbsp;He loves him some Filipino pork goodness. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xl1wK4cY8aU/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xl1wK4cY8aU?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xl1wK4cY8aU?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And then of course, there's Ike's Place, with rave reviews from Duff Goldman. &nbsp;Y'all know how I love me some sammiches from Ike's, and it's great that he's getting even more exposure. &nbsp;Not that he needs it but it still tickles me every time. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DOjtXAV83BU/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOjtXAV83BU?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOjtXAV83BU?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><br />sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-41194215270377695402011-09-23T09:28:00.000-07:002011-09-23T09:28:36.532-07:00Why I WalkThis year's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Heart Walk</b></span> in San Ramon was a blast. &nbsp;There was a great turn out from the community and it was great to see everyone stepping out for a great cause. &nbsp;Our team, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b>The Pulsaders</b></span></span>, did an awesome job this year, raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9f7XBmCUyk/TnyzEsQeKuI/AAAAAAAAAD8/4QB-xQ2QLJQ/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9f7XBmCUyk/TnyzEsQeKuI/AAAAAAAAAD8/4QB-xQ2QLJQ/s320/group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />For many of the team members, we walked this year for our Tito Emy, who passed away this past June.&nbsp;We walked in his honor and in memory of his life. &nbsp;His absence is the harshest reminder that we all need to take better care of ourselves and the people we love. &nbsp;Another team member is a heart disease survivor, and inspires us to live healthy every day. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeSCW94rBew/Tnyyu866QKI/AAAAAAAAAD4/QtD0TXmPAnk/s1600/img_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeSCW94rBew/Tnyyu866QKI/AAAAAAAAAD4/QtD0TXmPAnk/s320/img_0510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Another walk I participate in is AIDS Walk SF. &nbsp;Recently, someone indirectly asked why I walk for AIDS Walk. &nbsp;It's a fair question... that comes with a simple answer. &nbsp;I walk because I can. &nbsp;I walk for the millions of people who can't. &nbsp;More so, I walk because it's one small way that I can give back. sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-60005525572810995092011-09-16T11:51:00.000-07:002011-09-16T11:51:28.533-07:00New Music FridayShowing support for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/salet.ot5">Salet</a>, a Bay Area musician whose latest music endeavor is <b><a href="http://www.goodbyegoodguys.com/">V is for Villain</a></b>. &nbsp;According to their Facebook page:<br /><br /><i>P.L.O and Salet join forces to form a mixed genre group that goes by the name of V is for Villain. Their "mixed tape" titled "goodbye good guys" will be released one track at a time, starting in September 2011. Every "Terrible" Tuesday, V is for Villain will allow listeners to download their newest release from "good bye goodguys" for FREE.</i><br /><br />Check out their latest release, "Take Away My Pain". Pretty damn catchy hook..! ;) <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/zMTQTsr2mqg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zMTQTsr2mqg&fs=1&source=uds" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /> <embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zMTQTsr2mqg&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br /><br />sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-53961430914097281472011-09-11T19:41:00.000-07:002011-09-11T19:41:13.340-07:00Never ForgetI woke up this morning, picked up my phone and checked my Twitter feed, as I'm apt to do most mornings.&nbsp; 90% of the tweets were regarding 9/11.&nbsp; Always Remember, Never Forget.&nbsp; It was humbling to realize that it's been 10 years since that dreadful day.&nbsp; As it's been said, 9/11 is the JFK Assassination of our generation.&nbsp; You'll always remember where you were when you heard the news that the Twin Towers were struck.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://visualparadox.com/images/no-linking-allowed-main/9-11-01640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://visualparadox.com/images/no-linking-allowed-main/9-11-01640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The morning it happened, I was still in college, living in an apartment with 3 other girls.&nbsp; I woke up to hear two of my roommates talking about how the second tower was just hit.&nbsp; <i>"What?"</i> I thought.&nbsp; Groggily, I got out of bed, wiped my eyes.&nbsp; I vaguely remember them saying that the Twin Towers were hit.&nbsp; I couldn't really make sense of it, like it was all a dream.&nbsp; I walked out into the living room where they were watching the footage live.&nbsp; The towers hadn't fallen yet at that point, but just seeing that initial image of the towers was jolting.<br /><br />We all had classes that morning and were all getting ready.&nbsp; I thought to myself, how is the school going to handle this?&nbsp; It seemed almost silly to be going to class that day when something so huge was happening.&nbsp; Nonetheless, we did.&nbsp; I had an 8am class that morning.&nbsp; By that time, the towers had fallen and we were all in disbelief.&nbsp; We discussed it in class briefly, but our professor was keen on staying focused on that day's class.&nbsp; In hindsight, it was probably best.&nbsp; At that point, we really knew nothing, other than it was an act of terrorism.&nbsp; Whom the terrorists were at that point, why it was done, was all still speculation at that point.&nbsp; An hour later, class let out.&nbsp; I called up my uncle as I walked back to the apartment.&nbsp; We talked in short about what happened that morning, what was currently going on, and trying to make sense of <i><b>why</b></i>.&nbsp; There were no conclusions at the end of the conversation, but it was good to talk to someone back home and have that connection.<br /><br />Beyond that, I can't go into more detail.&nbsp; Everything seems like a blur after that.&nbsp; Watching the news footage, hearing the heartbreaking news of fallen firefighters and regular people just going about their day.&nbsp; It was all too much.. it <i>still</i> is, in fact.<br /><br />"9/11" evokes so many emotions and memories for everyone.&nbsp; Terrorists.&nbsp; Firefighters.&nbsp; Loss.&nbsp; Politics.&nbsp; Heartbreak.&nbsp; Heroes.&nbsp; Remember.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Of all the tributes occurring here and around the world, the most touching for me came from the French.&nbsp; A friend of mine currently vacationing in Paris tweeted about the Eiffel Tower between two towers, one of which said: "The French Will Never Forget".&nbsp; I found an artist's rendering and I can only imagine that the final constructed piece was a sight to see.&nbsp; 82-foot replicas of the Twin Towers were installed on the large square overlooking the Eiffel Tower, alongside enormous French and American flags meant to represent the solid friendship between the two countries. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://0.tqn.com/h/goparis/1/H/e/E/-/-/thefrenchwillneverforget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/goparis/1/H/e/E/-/-/thefrenchwillneverforget.jpg" /></a></div><br />I reflect today and am really humbled and grateful for my family and friends, for the life I have with my husband.&nbsp; As someone earlier tweeted:&nbsp; Today is NOT a day for politics or conspiracy theories. It's a day to honor those who passed and love the ones who are still here. #remember <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://darrellloper.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/9-11-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://darrellloper.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/9-11-lights.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Stay safe, everyone.&nbsp; xoxo<br /><br />sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-78800999009734041522011-09-09T12:11:00.000-07:002011-09-09T12:11:17.930-07:00Exciting News<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVT6dvGfvsg/TmpiYlaCWgI/AAAAAAAAADg/v1y-GvcRYic/s1600/Work+Awesome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVT6dvGfvsg/TmpiYlaCWgI/AAAAAAAAADg/v1y-GvcRYic/s1600/Work+Awesome.jpg" /></a><a href="http://workawesome.com/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">WorkAwesome.com</span></a>&nbsp;is a website for people who love what they do, and want to become awesome at it. &nbsp;It provides resources for work-life balance, work productivity, management, etc. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the site you can find useful articles about starting things, completing things, and trying new things -- and being "awesomely productive" when doing so.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Readers have the opportunity to contribute by submitting articles for consideration. &nbsp;I am excited to share with you that my piece was accepted and featured on the website on 9/5. &nbsp;I wrote an article titled "How to Manage Career Transition Stress", something of which I had an insider's view.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can link to the article directly&nbsp;<a href="http://workawesome.com/career/career-transition/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">here</span></a>. Or, copy/paste the following URL into your address bar:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://workawesome.com/career/career-transition/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://workawesome.com/career/career-transition/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Comments / feedback is great appreciated. &nbsp;Please share the article with those whom you feel might benefit. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks to everyone for your support! &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">xx<o:p></o:p></div>sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-64563886695552785072011-09-03T01:30:00.000-07:002011-09-03T01:30:38.862-07:00Local Business LoveWe kicked off the Labor Day weekend by going to <a href="http://mvbl.org/">Moveable Feast</a> in San Mateo, a food truck event happening the first Friday of every month.&nbsp; The food truck craze has taken the nation by storm.&nbsp; So much so that Food Network has a realty TV show devoted to just food trucks.&nbsp; Yes, drama does ensue in the lives of these proprietors.&nbsp; Over the past year, food trucks have moved east and south, offering food outside of San Francisco.&nbsp; As a result, food truck events have been popping up <i>everywhere</i>.&nbsp;<br /><br />It's a win-win.&nbsp; Consumers are able to taste a variety of different foods and learn that creative and innovative and damn tasty eats can be hashed out of a food truck.&nbsp; Local businesses / entrepreneurs can showcase their cooking chops and interact with their customers in a whole new way. <br /> <br />While all of this is fine and dandy, that's not to say that there isn't criticism associated with these food trucks.&nbsp; The most resonating is the fact that some trucks will charge you and arm and a leg for their food.&nbsp; Sometimes it's worth it, and unfortunately, sometimes it's not.&nbsp; You'll often hear me say that I'll drop good money for quality food.&nbsp; And so, when I fork out $7-$10 for an entree from a food truck, it better deliver the goods.&nbsp; I do believe that some businesses will charge a higher rate simply because the appeal and allure of a "food truck" somehow elevates the food.&nbsp; For instance, I paid $7 for a grilled cheese sandwich, with prosciutto and basil aioli.&nbsp; It was good.. but, I ultimately felt like given the same ingredients, I could've produced the same sammich. And it certainly wasn't worth the price tag.&nbsp; <br /><br />That being said, it's a balance.&nbsp; Support these local businesses without breaking the bank (or being exploited).&nbsp; At the end of the night, after hours spent noshing on sammiches, Hawaiianese, Vietnamese, desserts and more, and chilling with the community of food truck-ees, it was clear to me that these events are really great for the community.&nbsp; It brings an awareness to these "Mom-and-Pop" shops and, in many cases, deservedly so.&nbsp; <br /><br />The last vendor we visited tonight wasn't even a food truck.&nbsp; It was a clothing company called <a href="http://vivi-kids.com/">Vivi Kids</a>, selling mainly children's wear.&nbsp; The proprietors are a boyfriend-girlfriend duo who have a love of graphic design that they bring it to the masses.&nbsp; They're both cool cats and down-to-earth, and I felt really good about supporting their business.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vivi-kids.com/images/vivikids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://vivi-kids.com/images/vivikids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We had seen them during a couple months back at the same event.&nbsp; We hadn't purchased anything but liked their stuff.&nbsp; This time around, we bought a shirt for my godson [4T! so that he has room to grow] with, as I would later learn, their latest character, Po Panda.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ae_5u65AU3w/TmHirgMydII/AAAAAAAAADU/5IEmgbUG4FE/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ae_5u65AU3w/TmHirgMydII/AAAAAAAAADU/5IEmgbUG4FE/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />As we were leaving, I said to my hubby, "It really does feel good supporting local businesses.&nbsp; I hope they survive in this economy."&nbsp; It's a rough world out there, in every aspect, even more so when you're hustling every day.&nbsp; But a good, quality product will find its audience and grow.&nbsp; All the best..!&nbsp; Live strong and thrive. sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-23083032603330779202011-08-24T15:52:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:52:17.736-07:00Sandwich of the Day: “Jalapeno Popper” Grilled Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fromaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/jalapeno-popper-grilled-cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://www.fromaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/jalapeno-popper-grilled-cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Came across this sandwich today and it looked too amazing not to share.&nbsp; I've definitely put this sandwich on my To Do List.&nbsp; This inventive take on a classic has my tummy rumbling. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.fromaway.com/sandwiches/todays-sandwich-jalapeno-popper-grilled-cheese-homemade">Follow this link</a> to find out more and start grillin' your perfect sammich today!&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-22050068850946979402011-08-22T11:14:00.000-07:002011-08-22T11:14:57.256-07:00My DVR: For Better or For Worse<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Or, <b>How My DVR Has Changed My Life</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>&nbsp;</b></i> </div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been video taping my favorite TV shows for as long as I can remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It got to the point where I could, and I’m dating myself by saying this, program my VCR <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">like that</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>With the advent of DVR, or digital video recording, one would expect my habits to be more of the same, if not slightly more tech-ier (yes, it IS a word).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The results, I’m guilty to admit, are less to be desired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyone who has been accustomed to their DVR can attest to this statement to a certain degree:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I find myself wanting to rewind certain things in my life (or, have the same functionality of a DVR for moments in my life).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For instance, I was listening to the radio this morning when the traffic report came on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I zoned out for a mere two seconds before realizing the reporter was speaking traffic talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My first thought was, “Oh wait, can I rewind that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Maybe she mentioned something important about my commute. Oh wait, I can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Because this is real life.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Gotcha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Or, another unabashed example was at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was taking notes during a meeting and could not keep up with the person talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He was on warp speed and I was just getting on the freeway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I thought it would’ve been so perfect if I could just pause him (a la “Out of This World” – who remembers <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> fine piece of television programming?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also find myself watching too much TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As I often times explain, “I have so many taped shows that I have to do a DVR-watching session just to make room for more shows.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That statement in itself is a vicious circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I think I’m fairly active and there’s enough in my life to keep me from being glued to the boob tube, but every once in a while I like to lay like broccoli, clear my mind, and watch an episode of Gossip Girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And that will usually lead to that night’s episode of Conan, the previous night’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I’ve found too many different types of programming to watch, many thing to the Guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Oh how easy it is nowadays to view what’s airing next week on any given channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Remember the one lonesome guide channel that gave you a scrolling list of the TV shows for the next <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">90 minutes</i>? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before I completely call myself out, I’ll stop at this – I’ve gotten too spoiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Rarely do I ever catch a program “live”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Why would I watch it in real-time when I could wait 15-20 minutes and forward through the commercials?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I used to like commercials, found them charming and creative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Now I’m desensitized and, save for the occasional iTunes/Apple commercial with those damningly catchy songs, couldn’t tell you what the latest advertisements are gracing my television screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>On the contrary, DVR does give you the freedom to go about your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> to go home to watch my favorite show. I can instead choose to spend time with friends and / or family with the comfort of knowing my DVR has got my TV cravings taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years, I’ve grown a love-hate relationship with my DVR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I couldn’t fully give it up, nor would I want I choose to do such a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I’ll just have to accept that I cannot pause life, continue to live it and be in the moment, and give the couch potato in me a big hug (and a good slap in the face every now and then).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div>sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-20920062928459428142011-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:002011-08-12T12:05:49.751-07:00SPAM: Like!As I do on many drives to work, I was listening one morning to the Stuff You Should Know podcast (from HowStuffWorks.com).&nbsp; I had downloaded a handful of podcasts to listen to and was absolutely giddy when I saw an episode titled "How SPAM Works".&nbsp; Giddy because I love SPAM.&nbsp; No, I'm not talking about email junk crap, but the meat product with the recognizable label.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRl241xHr6-nx_WsPc1qHDbyAC4P0iZkafcGJH3TOLv-c_Mw2GVZQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRl241xHr6-nx_WsPc1qHDbyAC4P0iZkafcGJH3TOLv-c_Mw2GVZQ" /></a></div><br />Filipinos, too, love SPAM.&nbsp; So much so that SPAM is a staple in many a Filipino household (along with Vienna sausages and corned beef).&nbsp; In fact, SPAM is so popular in Filipino cuisine that it is actually part of many breakfast options in the (suffix) "-silog" family. SPAMsilog is a breakfast of fried spam slices, garlic fried rice, and a sunny side up fried egg with a garnish of sliced tomato and sometimes pineapple chunks along with chili-garlic vinegar for dipping. And yes, that's <i>exactly</i> how I prefer to enjoy SPAM.<br /><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div>But the big question that I just could not get out of my head was, WHY?&nbsp; Why is it that Filipinos love SPAM and how did this romance blossom? <br /><br />Ever the curious monkey, I decided to get to the bottom of this.&nbsp; In the search bar, I started typing "why do filipinos like".&nbsp; I have to take a moment here and just say that the plethora of "suggested" searches was hilarious.&nbsp; Try it out for yourself.&nbsp;<br /><br />Search results for "why do filipinos like spam" didn't garner much.&nbsp; There were some message boards that stipulated the same question, but no conclusive answer.&nbsp;<br /><br />Many answers concluded that SPAM is hugely popular in Filipino culture for one of two reasons, and I think these two make the most sense.&nbsp; The first reason is that people like convenience, and SPAM works well since it is canned and needs not be refrigerated; this is most likely a result of the next reasoning which harkens back to WWII.&nbsp; American service men were stationed in the area, and the shortage of fresh meat to the troops required canned or processed meat.&nbsp; The local people were given it, and the rest is history as they say.&nbsp; Added to that, I personally believe that Filipinos also love the saltiness of SPAM and the fact that you can fry it.&nbsp; It's no coincidence that Filipinos have a higher rate of heart disease.&nbsp; Just saying...<br /><br />So, there you have it.&nbsp; Nothing earth shattering, but interesting nonetheless.&nbsp; Plus, researching SPAM is hugely fun.&nbsp; The amount of products and social media devoted to SPAM is impressive.&nbsp; If you want to learn a little bit more about SPAM, check out the Stuff You Should Know <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stuff-you-should-know/id278981407">podcast</a>.&nbsp; sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-66989364446007490382011-02-16T08:07:00.000-08:002011-02-16T08:07:57.147-08:00Blame it on the Grammy'sThis year's Grammy Awards show was actually quite entertaining for me.&nbsp; I can't actually recall how long it's been since I watched the entire show.&nbsp; But this past Sunday night, that's exactly what we did (save for the commercials).&nbsp; I thought the mix of performers was great.&nbsp; The fact that I knew them all and are fans of many was a huge plus.&nbsp; I also appreciate the Grammy's because it invigorates me and often inspires me to check out new music and artists [Hello - Esmeralda Spalding? Who saw that one coming?].<br /><br />It's because of the Grammy's that I rekindled my May-December romance with Mumford &amp; Sons and The Avett Brothers.&nbsp; I downloaded a handful of songs from the former and just the song performed from the latter.&nbsp; Mumford &amp; Sons' performance was cool; maybe it was the banjo player, whom I swear was humping his banjo, that really caught my eye.&nbsp; Whatever it was, I took a fancy to them again, beyond the Little Lion Man.&nbsp; "The Cave" and "Awake My Soul" are great pieces.&nbsp; But it's because of the Grammy's that, as I approached the incline on the San Mateo bridge this morning, I was belting out the following words:<br /><br /><div style="font-family: Times,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><i>But it was not your fault but mine<br />And it was your heart on the line<br />I really fucked it up this time<br />Didn't I, my dear? (x2)</i></div>sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-88359491354261616242011-02-07T08:24:00.000-08:002011-02-07T08:24:22.335-08:00Super Bowl 2011Thoughts on the big game this year.&nbsp; I have only a handful.<br /><br />The national anthem:&nbsp; Admittedly, it sounded off when Christina Aguilera started singing the second line (wrong, btw) instead of the fourth, but I have to say that I was preparing my stopwatch to time how long it took her to sing the note of the word "brave".&nbsp; ;-)&nbsp; Anyways, performance for me wasn't Christina-esque. Or, maybe it was and I just wasn't feeling it.&nbsp; FAIL. &nbsp; <br /><br />The game:&nbsp; Just okay.&nbsp; Maybe it's because I had no real allegiance to either team, but I found the game rather boring.&nbsp; There were a few show stopper plays, but the game itself I couldn't really get into.&nbsp; It should be noted that I was rooting for Troy and Clay whenever they or their team had a good play.&nbsp; And no, I wasn't rooting for Aaron Rodgers.&nbsp; Not because he went to Cal (although that would be a valid reason), but because I'm still bitter after all of these years.&nbsp; Bitter because - and it still hurts to even say it - he could have been a Niner.&nbsp; :: sigh ::<br /><br />The commercials:&nbsp; Again, just okay.&nbsp; I thought the etrade commercial was cute.&nbsp; "Shh.."&nbsp; Lol.&nbsp; And the Doritos ones were kinda funny.&nbsp; A handful more garnered a chuckle out of me, but since I can't recollect them right now, they obviously weren't <i>that</i> great.&nbsp; My absolute favorite commercial, one that I'm sure millions of people will agree on, is the Volkswagen Darth Vader commercial with that little kid.&nbsp; Best!&nbsp; <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R55e-uHQna0" title="YouTube video player" width="510"></iframe><br /><br />The halftime show:&nbsp; Now, I know a lot of people drank haterade during the halftime show because hella people were complaining afterwards.&nbsp; The Black Eyed Peas are known for their dance beats and sometimes that just doesn't translate live.&nbsp; I think Fergie sounded off, and could someone explain to me what the eff the sound engineer was doing..!!&nbsp; Seriously, the sound mixing was awful and really took away from a decent performance.&nbsp; Slash = cool, Fergie "singing" along = FAIL.&nbsp; Usher = awesome.&nbsp; Bringing back the running man = A+.&nbsp; Tron-like theatrics and dance pumping beats.&nbsp; It was a solid "B".<br /><br />Post-shows:&nbsp; Glee was actually not half bad.&nbsp; And the 'Don't Stop Believing' SF Giants special was really cool.&nbsp; Great to re-live those memories, especially the day after Fan Fest (oh, don't even get me started on that..).sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-6785808554969153642011-01-17T07:27:00.001-08:002011-01-17T07:42:35.041-08:00A Bit Cozy & Creepy at the Same TimeIt's been awhile, kiddies. My first post of 2011 comes to you on the MLK holiday.. from my desk at work. Yeup, we are one of the rare few companies that <b>do not</b> observe the holiday. Most people's initial reaction is, 'Aww. That sucks.' And while it takes some getting used to, considering that I had all bank/federal holidays off at my previous job, I guess I can be half-full about this.<br /><br />First off, in lieu of the MLK holiday, we did get the day after New Year's Day off. Which, for obvious reasons, was okay by me. [I'll take an extra day to recover any time.] Secondly, traffic was quite blissful this morning. I clocked in my morning commute time at 37 minutes. Not quite beating my record of 35 minutes, but damn close. The only comfort in my head as I lay down to sleep was, 'Well, traffic should be nice tomorrow morning.' It's sick, I know. It should be noted that that sentiment didn't do much to help me actually <i>go to sleep</i>. Not unusual for a Sunday night, my mind &amp; body were not ready to shut down for the night at 10:30. And they didn't. After two rounds of Diner Dash and a glass of milk, I estimate my sleep time at 11:40<i>ish</i>. I've been doing my best to sleep early, and despite my best efforts, it just doesn't happen all of the time. C'est la vie.<br /><br />This morning's commute was FOGGY. Right out of the garage, I was met by a thick fog. <i>Well, this should be fun</i>. Luckily for me, it wasn't all too bad. It probably helped that there maybe 50% less cars on the road. I will say that crossing the bridge this morning was an experience. The thick fog just enveloped the bridge. I'd never seen anything like it. Turn to the left, turn to the right, look straight ahead -- FOG. It felt a bit cozy and creepy at the same time. Cozy because it felt like the fog was hugging the bridge.. Creepy because it felt like Lenny [from Mice &amp; Men] was the fog and the bridge (and by extension the cars on it) was that little mouse that Lenny 'loved'.&nbsp;<br /><br />Well, then.. onward and sideways.. Happy New Year..!sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-3940695001307942312010-10-06T08:27:00.000-07:002010-10-06T08:27:53.709-07:00Mental ExerciseThis morning, I recited the alphabet <i>backwards</i>.&nbsp; Immediately following, I realized that taken out of context it would appear that I was practicing for the next Saturday night D.U.I. checkpoint stop. Hehe.&nbsp;<br /><br />Kaiser Permanente ran an ad about exercising your brain and getting rid of that excess flag. It goes onto suggest doing activities out of the ordinary and engaging in mental challenges.&nbsp; Sodoku is my go-to daily brain activity.&nbsp; It's wholly addicting and neverending sometimes.&nbsp; The level of difficulty is insane sometimes.&nbsp; I then thought of the website <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/"><b>mental_floss</b></a>, a site "Where Knowledge Junkies Get Their Fix". It's always a lot of fun to read, IMHO. So many random stories, fun facts and trivia.&nbsp;<br /><br />So, my tip of the day: Brush your teeth and/or eat your cereal with your other hand. [Now, if you're ambidextrous, sorry - I got nothin' for ya.]sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-31006221790499869982010-09-30T08:52:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:52:31.184-07:00I slammed my hand on the steering wheel. <i>"Man, it never fails. I just can't catch a break."&nbsp;</i><br /><br />So, I stayed in Hayward last night.. a welcome break from the hellish morning commute that has somehow taken over my life.&nbsp; Typically, it's smooth sailing - get on the bridge and fly all the way to work.&nbsp; But this morning - nope.&nbsp; Just as I was nearing the end of the bridge, I was greeted by flashing brake lights. Lovely. My one day to have a traffic-free commute, thwarted again.&nbsp; *sigh*&nbsp; In hindsight, I guess I shouldn't be complaining. It took me 25 minutes to get to work today, including the alternate route I had to take.<br /><i> </i><br />25 minutes is nothing compared to what I've had to endure then past couple of weeks.&nbsp; September signals the start of another school year and another season.&nbsp; What I'm slowly starting to realize is that it also brings about a plethora of parents who've forgotten how to drive.&nbsp; And thus, my commute into work has been <i>at least</i> an hour.&nbsp; Three weeks ago, my commute was between 50 minutes and <i>up to</i> an hour.&nbsp; Now, it's an hour and then some.&nbsp; I'll never forget the shock I felt one morning when I did a time check and realized that an hour had passed and I still was not even at the <u>toll plaza</u>.&nbsp; Ugh.&nbsp; It's been brutal, I tell ya.&nbsp;<br /><br />I realized the other day that I think I might be getting burnt out by this commute already.&nbsp; I'm going to start considering coming into work wicked early.&nbsp; I consulted with another co-worker who lives in the same area as I do.&nbsp; He <i>leaves</i> the house at 6:15.&nbsp; I'm sorry, but most of the time I'm still struggling to get <i>out of bed</i> at that time.&nbsp; But I'll give it a go.. next week.&nbsp; Gotta try getting to bed by 11.. and stick to it.&nbsp; My sanity's depending on it. ;-)&nbsp;sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191345981312752144.post-59564596515617739102010-09-07T10:52:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:52:38.208-07:00Inagural Post + Happy AnniversarySo, today marks the date of two occasions.&nbsp; The first -- my first post on my newly created blog. w00t.&nbsp; The second, not quite as exciting, but still notable -- 7 months as a commuter.&nbsp; I guess I'd say that makes me official.&nbsp; Officially crazy, maybe. ;)<br /><br />In any case, of the two events occurring today, it's safe to say that the former fed from the latter.&nbsp; I had been meaning to start a "commuter's" blog for quite some time now.&nbsp; It seems that thoughts run through my head even more abundantly when I'm on the road.&nbsp; And I'm on the road a lot.&nbsp; Sure, many people have worse commutes than I do.&nbsp; But in my life prior to this, my "commute" was a 15-minute drive door-to-door.&nbsp; Needless to say, I was spoiled.&nbsp; I knew I'd never have a better commute, unless I found a job right down the street from my house. Obviously, no such luck. <br /><br />But - glass half-full, my job is rather enjoyable.&nbsp; It makes commuting a lot more tolerable.&nbsp; And truth be told, I don't mind driving.&nbsp; I actually enjoy long drives on occasion.&nbsp; What irks me.. what really gets to me.. is the TRAFFIC.&nbsp; Ugh.&nbsp; I'll save that topic for a different post.&nbsp; Maybe on a day when it's really bad. Hey, it just might provide better commentary (heh. just sayin'..).&nbsp; <br /><br />Hmm.. so let's go over some stats this morning.<br /><br /><div style="color: #073763;"><u><b>STATS</b></u></div>Alarm succeeded: 5:30a | Up and in the shower: 5:45a <br />Breakfast: Eggwich (turkey ham + egg) on a Spinach Asiago Bagel from Bagel Street Cafe <br />Coffee: Sm. half-caff (blend of hazelnut coffee &amp; decaf coffee) from Bagel Street Cafe <br />Out the door: 6:35a | Pulled into parking spot: 7:56a <br />Mood: Not too shabby.&nbsp; One of those It's-Tuesday-but-feels-like-a-Monday days. Might be a long one. We'll see. Head feels a tad bit foggy. Sipping on morning coffee and ice water.&nbsp; [Wish that line read: Sipping on gin and juice. Ah well.]<br /><br />Well that's all I have for today.&nbsp; Thought I'd peep in and say Hullo! But, alas, the grind is calling.&nbsp; I hear the faint call of client meetings and data analysis.. (sigh)&nbsp; Is it Friday yet..?sherbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06805723901292910582noreply@blogger.com0